No matter how far you’ve come in life, you’re still held back by a limiting factor. Even if you’re a billionaire, there is something that’s preventing you from having more. Some of us are currently more limited than others, but we all have limitations. And those limitations change. When one limitation is overcome, another is ready to take its place.
Imagine a car that will only go 100 mph. The limitation is most likely the engine, but suppose you replace that engine with one capable of moving the car at 200 mph? Will the car go that fast?
Probably not. The transmission might not be capable of 200 mph. If you replace the transmission, you’ll find out that the tires are now a limitation.
Eventually, the engine becomes the limitation again that prevents the car from going faster.
What’s the limiting factor in your life? Could it be one of these:
1. Purpose. If you don’t know what’s important to you or what you’re trying to accomplish, you’re severely limited. You don’t know where or how to direct your attention and energy.
2. Self-awareness. It’s easy to see the flaws in others, but almost impossible to see them in ourselves. Keep a journal and examine why you do the things you do. Ask a friend or family member for insight.
3. Knowledge. Maybe you don’t know enough. For example, if you want to be a real estate investor, but you don’t know much about real estate, you’ll need to increase your knowledge before you can be successful in that endeavor.
• What parts of your life would be enhanced if you knew more?
4. Courage. Most of us know what we need to do to resolve many of our challenges, but we just can’t get ourselves to consistently take action. Fear is often the culprit.
5. Money. If you dream of owning a home, driving a new car, or taking a fancy trip, money might be the limiting factor. A lack of money can also limit your ability to sleep comfortably at night. Money isn’t everything, but a lack of financial resources is very limiting.
6. Time. Anyone that works multiple jobs, or works full-time while attending school, can attest to the fact that time can be a limiting factor.
• If you don’t have enough time to do everything you want or need to do, examine how you allocate your time and look for possible enhancements.
7. Relationships. A negative relationship can limit your life. A bad employee can limit your life. A lack of friends can limit your life. Many people, especially those that are highly driven, can underestimate the value of relationships. The people in your life can do a lot to help or to hinder you.
8. Health. Poor health can be limiting both physically and mentally. If you don’t feel good or your energy is low, it can be a limiting factor in your life.
• Make your health a priority. It’s a choice that needs to be made each day. Look at your diet and exercise habits. Visit your doctor regularly.
What is currently limiting your progress? Determine your limiting factor and begin working on it. Remember that once you solve that challenge, another limiting factor will take its place. Keep working on overcoming your limitations. It’s a lifelong process that keeps life interesting.
